Functional Medicine in Bath

Looking Beyond Your Symptoms

Our Approach

At AcuBath, we combine Functional Medicine and Acupuncture to provide a more personalised, root-cause focused approach to health.

At AcuBath, we combine Functional Medicine and Acupuncture to provide a personalised, root-cause focused approach to health and wellbeing.

Many people seek support because they continue to experience symptoms despite being told their tests are “normal”, that it is “just stress”, or simply “part of ageing”. Others come to us with diagnosed medical conditions and are looking for a more integrative and supportive approach alongside conventional healthcare.

Whether you are struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, neurological symptoms, stress-related illness or complex long-term health concerns, our aim is to look beyond isolated symptoms and understand the wider picture of your health.

Functional Medicine and Acupuncture are not intended to replace conventional medical care. Instead, they work to support the body more holistically by exploring the factors that may be influencing symptoms, resilience, recovery and overall wellbeing.

What is Functional Medicine

Functional Medicine is an evidence-informed, patient-centred approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the potential underlying causes of illness and imbalance.

Rather than looking at symptoms in isolation, Functional Medicine considers how different systems within the body interact. Symptoms are often viewed as important signals that something within the body may be struggling to adapt or function optimally.

This approach may explore areas such as:

  • Nutrition and nutrient deficiencies

  • Gut health and the microbiome

  • Hormonal balance

  • Inflammation

  • Sleep and circadian health

  • Stress and nervous system regulation

  • Blood sugar balance

  • Lifestyle and environmental influences

For example:

  • Fatigue may relate to stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar imbalance or gut dysfunction

  • Hormonal symptoms may be influenced by inflammation, stress physiology or liver function

  • Digestive issues may affect mood, skin health, immunity and energy levels

  • Anxiety and burnout may involve nervous system dysregulation, inflammation or sleep disruption

Functional Medicine aims to understand these wider connections and support the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself.

 

Functional Medicine & Acupuncture at AcuBath

Julie Butterworth combines Functional Medicine with Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element Acupuncture and Master Tung Acupuncture to provide a uniquely integrated approach to care.

Julie has undertaken additional training in Functional Medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) in the USA, one of the world’s leading institutions for Functional Medicine education and clinical training.

What makes AcuBath different is the integration of these two disciplines.

Functional Medicine helps explore potential underlying drivers of symptoms, while Acupuncture works directly with the body to support regulation, healing and restoration of balance.

Acupuncture may help:

  • Calm the nervous system

  • Improve circulation

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Support hormonal regulation

  • Improve sleep quality

  • Enhance digestion

  • Reduce stress responses

  • Support emotional wellbeing

Together, Functional Medicine and Acupuncture provide a more joined-up and individualised approach that supports both symptom relief and long-term health optimisation.

Do I Need Functional Medicine Testing?

Not always.

In some cases, advanced Functional Medicine testing may provide useful insight into areas such as:

  • Gut health and digestive function

  • Nutritional deficiencies

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Food sensitivities

  • Inflammation and metabolic health

However, testing is not always necessary or appropriate.

Often, a detailed consultation, symptom history, lifestyle review and existing medical investigations can already reveal important patterns and opportunities for support. Recommendations are always tailored carefully and pragmatically to the individual.

What Can Functional Medicine & Acupuncture Help With?

At AcuBath, we support people experiencing a wide range of physical, hormonal, neurological and stress-related health concerns.

Patients commonly seek support for:

  • Chronic pain and inflammation

  • Fatigue and burnout

  • Digestive issues including bloating and IBS

  • Hormonal imbalance and menopause symptoms

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Migraines and headaches

  • Nervous system dysregulation

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

  • Neurological conditions

  • Long-term and complex chronic health concerns

Some patients come to us feeling that they have “run out of answers”. Others are looking for additional support alongside an existing diagnosis or medical treatment plan.

Our goal is always to understand the individual behind the symptoms and provide a personalised and compassionate approach to care.

A Personalised, Whole-Person Approach

There is no one-size-fits-all protocol at AcuBath.

Every patient arrives with a unique history, physiology, stress load and life experience. Both Functional Medicine and Acupuncture recognise the importance of treating the individual rather than simply the condition.

At AcuBath, we aim to provide a calm, supportive and evidence-informed environment where patients feel genuinely listened to, understood and empowered in their journey towards better long-term health and wellbeing.

Appointments are available at:

  • The Bath Practice, Monmouth Street, Bath

  • Stillpoint, Walcot Street, Bath

If you would like to explore how Functional Medicine and Acupuncture may support your health, please get in touch or book a consultation.

  • "For the first time in a very long time I actually felt heard"

    —Sarah B

  • "I came to Julie for help with my anxiety, but not only do I no longer battle with anxiety, I feel better than I've felt in years - like my old self!"

    —Anna S

  • "I first visited for a frozen shoulder, now AcuBath is my 'go to' whenever I'm feeling below par."

    —Geraldine

  • "I've learned so much from coming to see Julie. I was deficient in a number of different vitamins and minerals and didn't have a clue - I've finally got my energy back! Thank you."

    —Steve

Get started today.